On the back of sold-out performances and being added to the BBC Introducing stage at this year's T In The Park festival, Cynikal has spoken to FemaleFirst in an exclusive interview about his passion for music, the decision to name himself Cynikal and more.
When did you realise you had a passion for music?
My earliest memory is probably when I was 2 or 3, banging pots and pans in the kitchen. I got my first keyboard when I was 4 so I suppose that's when the more traditional practice began.
What is it about music that you love?
The fact that you can express emotion and capture it. Especially live, that's the most beautiful aspect of the industry, because each gig is unique and the moments created are individual.
How best would you describe yourself as an artist?
Artist is probably the definitive word. Music is just one outlet of my persona, but a true artist is multi-faceted and has a skill-set that goes beyond just one profession. I'd like to think I'm in that category - a musician yes, but a creative in general.
What's the story behind the name Cynikal?
I started rapping in the era of artists like Kurupt, Mystikal etc, and I guess that played someone of a subconscious role in my decision to affiliate myself with that moniker, but on a conscious level I liked the ring to it and the dictionary definition intrigued me.
What should those coming to see you at T In The Park expect?
The unexpected. I need to double check this but I think I'm the only "Hip Hop" act playing the BBC Introducing stage, as festivals like T In The Park are especially centred around pop and rock. So when my band play the opening intro sequence, the last thing the audience will expect is this kid from London running on stage and laying down some bars. Aside from the shock value I think it will be a good vibe, because my music is geared towards live and there's no better live show than a festival up north!
What kind of creative process do you go through when making new material?
First and foremost, I'm a songwriter. So I'll always sit at the piano and come up with a chord sequence. I'll build the rest of the instrumental around that and probably when it's in a 75% complete state I'll begin to write the lyrics. After that I'll go back and finish the rest of the instrumental, so that the vocals essentially sandwich in the musical journey.
Where do you draw inspiration or influence from for your music?
Life. I'm a firm believer in trying to experience as much as possible whilst we are alive. We have millions of synapses yearning for information, and the key for me is to satisfy that desire. The five senses, the spiritual chakra and beyond. I'm a product of my environment and music is expression, so naturally my music will reflect what I've experienced.
Who would you work with on a future track if you could choose anybody and why?
Rick Rubin. That guy just seems to just stand the test of time. I watched an interview with him and Zane Lowe recently in his garden, and he seems to be in this incredible spiritual place - it gives him that clarity to come into a session and make things right. As my own producer, it's very hard to be objective at times, so someone like Rick could give that guidance and wisdom when needed.
How difficult would you say it is to make a name for yourself in this industry?
It's tough, very tough. But so is any industry right? I think the key is to do what you do to the best of your ability. There's no formula for success, you have to carve out your own lane - nothing worth having comes easy.
Do you have a definitive aim?
To impact popular culture and leave behind a legacy.
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
Doing what I'm doing now, albeit on a larger scale. Gigging, releasing music and establishing my presence as a premier force in British music.
Are there any other projects you could share some details about that are in the works?
Unfortunately I can't give details at the mo, but for sure there is stuff in the pipeline. You'll be the first to know.
Cynikal plays at the follow live dates in the UK:
12 July - T In The Park (BBC Introducing Stage), Scotland
25 July - Camden Beach @ The Roundhouse, London
30 August - Edinburgh Mela Festival, Scotland